Surgical Tool

ABSTRACT

The invention is concerned with cauterizing and resecting tissue. A pair of electrodes are placed on opposed tissue surfaces, and radio frequency power is applied through the electrodes to cauterizing a tissue mass therebetween. After cauterization has been effected, the tissue may be resected along a plane within the cauterized region with minimum or no bleeding. The tissue mass may then be removed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation in Part (CIP) of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/382,652, filed May 10, 2006 (Attorney Docket no.ARAG0012), and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/746,256 filed May 2, 2006 (Attorney Docket no. ARAG0011PR),the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by this referencethereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to tissue cauterization. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to an improved electrode for tissuecauterization.

2. Description of the Background Art

Tissue and organ removal are required in a number of surgical proceduresfor a number of purposes. A major concern in all tissue removalprocedures is hemostasis, i.e. cessation of bleeding. All blood vesselssupplying an organ or a tissue segment to be removed have to be sealed,either by suturing or cauterization, to inhibit bleeding when the tissueis removed. For example, when the uterus is removed in a hysterectomy,bleeding must be inhibited in the cervical neck which is resected, aswell as along the vessels which supply blood to the uterus along itssides. Similarly, blood vessels within the liver must be individuallysealed when a portion of the liver is resected in connection withremoval of a tumor or for other purposes. The liver is a highlyvascularized organ and sealing of the blood vessels is quite timeconsuming. Achieving hemostasis is necessary in both open surgicalprocedures and in minimally invasive surgical procedures. In the lattercase, however, because of the limited access through cannula and othersmall passages, sealing of blood vessels can be even more time consumingand problematic.

Achieving hemostasis is particularly important in laparoscopic and otherlimited access procedures where the organ or other tissue must bemorcellated prior to removal. Most organs are too large to be removedintact through a cannula or other limited access passage, thus requiringthat the tissue be morcellated, e.g. cut, ground, or otherwise brokeninto smaller pieces, prior to removal. It will be appreciated thatmorcellation of vascularized tissue can be very problematic.

For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide improved methods,systems, and apparatus, for achieving hemostasis in connection withorgan and tissue removal procedures. In particular, it would bedesirable to provide methods and systems which permit a surgeon toachieve hemostasis in a time-efficient manner, using readily availablesurgical equipment e.g. radio frequency power supplies as discussedbelow, while reducing risk and trauma to the patient. It would befurther desirable if the methods and systems are applicable to a widevariety of tissue removal procedures, including at least hysterectomies,liver tissue resection, cholecystectomies, prostate removal, lungresection, and the like. It would be still further desirable if themethods could provide for complete or substantially complete coagulationand hemostasis of an entire volume of tissue to be removed to facilitatesuch procedures as a subsequent morcellation. The ability to, forexample, morcelate tissue while minimizing bleeding will be ofsubstantial benefit to the performance of laparoscopic and otherminimally invasive procedures, as well as other surgical procedures.

The use of radio frequency (RF) energy to necrose body organs orportions thereof is known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,948 describes a balloonelectrode which is inflated in the interior of a uterus and used toapply RF energy to necrose the endothelial lining of the uterus. U.S.Pat. No. 3,845,771 describes a glove having flexible electrodes on thethumb and middle finger. The glove is intended for conducting RF currentto conventional forceps, scalpels, etc. U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,846describes electrode patch pairs useful as defibrillator leads which areengaged directly on the epicardium. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,178,618 and5,078,736 describe stents which can be energized to apply RF energy onthe interior of a body lumen. Lorentzen et al. (1996) Min. Ivas. Ther.Allied Technol. 5:511-516 describes a loop electrode that can be rotatedwithin tissue to excuse a tissue volume.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,541 discloses an automatic circuit that controls asurgical instrument, having a pair of bipolar electrodes. The circuitcomprises a means for measuring the current between the pair ofelectrodes, an impedance detection circuit that is in electricalcommunication with the current measuring means, a comparator that has anelectrical communication with the impedance detection circuit, and acontroller that is electrically connected to the comparator. Theimpedance detection circuit calculates the impedance between theelectrodes based on the measured currents and generates a first signalindicative of the calculated impedance. The comparator processes thefirst signal and generates an activation signal if the calculatedimpedance falls within a predetermined range of impedance values andgenerates a deactivation signal if the calculation impedance exceeds adeactivation threshold. The controller receives the activation anddeactivation signals and transmits the first control signal to a radiofrequency energy output stage to activate the electrodes in response tothe activation signal and transmits the second control signal to theradio frequency output stage to deactivate the electrodes in response tothe deactivation signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,779 teaches a method for electrosurgically sealing atissue that concludes the steps of applying an initial pulse of RFenergy to the tissue, the pulse having characteristics selected so asnot to heat the tissue appreciably; measuring the value of the impedanceof the tissue and response to the applied pulse; and in accordance withthe measured impedance value, determining an initial set of pulseparameters for use during a first RF energy pulse as applied to thetissue. The invention teaches varying the pulse parameters of individualones of subsequent RF energy pulses in accordance with at least onecharacteristic of an electrical transient that occurs during subsequentRF energy pulses. The method terminates the generation of subsequent RFenergy pulses upon a determination that the electrical transient isabsent or that a minimum output voltage has been reached.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,463 teaches a coagulating forceps for selectivelycoagulating blood vessels or tissue containing blood vessels. The methodtaught involves the placement of the blood vessels or tissue containingblood vessels between the prongs of the forceps, with the jaws of theforceps containing a plurality of electrodes which are energized byradio frequency power. A plurality of sensors are associated with theelectrodes, and in contact with the vessels or tissue, to measure thetemperature rise of the tissue or blood vessels and to provide afeedback to the radio frequency power to control the heating to performcoagulation of vessels or tissue. The invention also teaches that theupper prong of the device may be split into two parts with the cuttingblade between the two upper parts to provide for cutting of thecoagulated vessels subsequent to the coagulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus which facilitatetissue cauterization in connection with such procedures as tissueresection and removal from patients undergoing a wide variety ofprocedures. The procedures may involve removal of an entire organ, e.g.hysterectomies, cholecystectomies, prostate removal, lung resection, andthe like. Alternatively, the methods may involve removal of a portion ofan organ or other tissue, such as tumor removal, often from highlyvascularized organs, such as the liver, lung, or the like. The methodsgenerally involve two steps, where the tissue is first necrosed orcauterized in whole or in part using radio frequency energy. Inparticular, the cauterization is effected at least along a desiredresection plane within the tissue. The tissue is then resected alongsaid plane(s). Advantageously, it has been found that resection withinthe necrosed or cauterized tissue substantially minimizes, and in somecases eliminates, the bleeding caused by the tissue resection.Preferably, the tissue cauterization is effected over a target volume oftissue, typically an entire organ or a portion thereof, e.g. the uterus,the lobe of a liver, a lung section, the prostate, or the like. Byeffecting substantially complete cauterization of a target tissuevolume, the bleeding capacity of that tissue is reduced or eliminated,thus facilitating subsequent morcellization and tissue removal. Thus,organ and tissue removal is greatly facilitated with a substantialreduction in bleeding and the time needed for the surgical procedure.

In a first specific aspect, methods according to the invention compriseengaging at least a first electrode structure and a second electrodestructure against spaced-apart surfaces of a tissue mass, typicallyagainst opposed surfaces of the tissue mass. The first and secondelectrode structures may have generally similar geometries to contacttissue in a symmetric fashion. Alternatively, the electrode structuresmay have dissimilar geometries, e.g. one of the electrode structures maybe configured as a probe for insertion into a natural body orifice withthe other electrode structure being configured for engagement against anexterior tissue surface spaced-apart from said orifice. In someinstances, more than two electrode structures may be employed, but atleast two electrode structures (or separate regions of a singlestructure) are energized with opposite polarity to provide forapplication of the radio frequency energy to the tissue. In some otherinstances, the electrode structures may be different regions formed aspart of a single support structure, e.g. a single elastic tube or shellwhich may be placed over an organ or other tissue mass and which has twoor more electrode surfaces formed thereon. The different electrodesurfaces are, of course, isolated from each other when they are intendedto apply high frequency energy of opposite polarities. It is equallyimportant for the electrodes not be in contact if they are of likepolarity as well. In still other instances, a single electrode structuremay have a plurality of electrically conductive or active regions, wherethe electrically conductive regions may be energized with the same or anopposite polarity. In other instances, electrode structures may beprovided with tissue-penetrating elements to enhance electrode-tissuecontact and increase the total available area of the electrically activeregion(s) on the electrode structure to deliver high frequency energy tothe tissue. The use of such tissue-penetrating elements may be inaddition to or in place of the use of conformable or rigid surfaceelectrodes. In all instances, the electrode structures, or electricallyactive regions thereof, are configured to engage a substantiallycontinuous segment or portion of the tissue surface having a minimumarea as set forth below. When tissue-penetrating elements are used, theytypically are dispersed in a general uniform matter over theelectrically active area of the electrode structure.

High frequency (usually radio frequency) power is applied to the tissuemass through the electrically active regions(s) of the electrodestructures, and the power is applied for a time and in an amountsufficient to cauterize or necrose tissue between said electrodes,preferably at least along a desired resection plane. Often, a volume ofthe tissue is resected by morcellating, e.g. grinding, comminuting,cutting into small pieces, or the like. Such morcellation is greatlyfacilitated by necrosis of the target tissue volume. By necrosed, it ismeant that the cells of the tissue have been killed and that bleeding ofthe tissue, upon subsequent resection, has been substantially inhibited.The tissue are usually resected along a plane within the necrosed tissuemass, with minimal bleeding as described above.

The electrically active regions of the electrode structures have an areaof at least 1 cm², more usually at least 2 cm², often having areas of 5cm² or larger, more often having areas of 10 cm² or larger, still moreoften having areas of 50 cm² or larger. The electrodes may have a widevariety of characteristics, may generally be rigid, flexible, elastic,malleable, conformable, or the like. Preferably, the electrodes areflexible to facilitate engagement of the electrode against, andconformance to, a tissue surface. In at least some instances, it isdesirable to provide flexible, elastic electrodes which may be conformedabout the outer periphery of a tissue or organ surface, where theelastic nature of the electrode assures firm engagement and electrodecontact. In other instances, however, the electrodes may be specificallyconfigured to have a desired geometry for engaging a particular tissuesurface.

The high frequency energy applied to the organ or tissue is generallyprovided at radio frequency typically, but not limited to the range from100 kHz to 10 MHz, usually from 200 kHz to 750 kHz. The power levelsdepend on the surface area and volume of tissue being treated, butgenerally fall within the range from 10 W to 500 W, usually from 25 W to250 W, more usually from 50 W to 200 W. Power is usually applied at alevel of from 1 W/cm² to 500 W/cm², more usually from 10 W/cm² to 100W/cm². The power is applied for a time sufficient to raise the tissuetemperature in the tissue mass being treated to above a threshold levelrequired for cauterization or necrosis, usually being above at least 60°C., frequently being above 70° C., and often above 80° C., or higher.The application of energy should be limited, however, so that adjacenttissue is not significantly heated or otherwise damaged. The use ofopposed, bipolar electrodes is particularly advantageous in this regardbecause it concentrates the energy flux between the electrodes andlimits the effect on adjacent tissue which are not confined within theopposed electrodes. The resulting necrosed tissue may comprisesubstantially the entire organ being treated, or in other cases maycomprise a more narrow region, e.g. a planar region.

In another aspect, the invention comprises systems including at least aplurality of electrodes, and a power supply that is connectable to theelectrodes for applying, for example, bipolar, high frequency powertherebetween. The electrodes may be configured generally as describedabove, and are usually carried by an electrosurgical probe to facilitatedeployment. The probe may have a wide variety of configurations, butusually comprises at least a shaft and a handle for manipulating theshaft. The electrodes are mounted at a distal end of the shaft and areusually manipulable from the proximal end of the shaft so that they maybe opened and closed relative to each other to engage and capture anorgan or other tissue mass therebetween. The electrodes may have any ofthe properties described above, and may in particular comprise metallicor metallized mesh which can elastically engage and conform to tissuesurfaces. The electrosurgical probes may be used in a conventionalbipolar manner, i.e. where each electrode is powered at an oppositepolarity. Alternatively, the electrode surfaces may be powered at thesame polarity with another electrode or electrodes used for completingthe high frequency circuit. Typically, the other electrode(s) are in theform of one or more probes which may be inserted into a natural bodyorifice or lumen or may be introduced into an organ or other tissuemass. The probe(s) may conform to a natural lumen and/or saline or otherelectrically conductive fluid may be introduced into the lumen to helpestablish the conductive path.

In a specific embodiment, an electrosurgical device may comprise asingle conformable structure, such as an elastically or non-elasticallyexpansible tubular member, e.g. an expansible tubular braid mesh. Theelectrodes are formed on a plurality of locations over the conformablesupport structure and are usually isolated from each other, e.g. eitherby applying insulation or by relying on the inherently non-conductivenature of the conformable support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual illustration of the system and method of theinvention employing a plurality of rigid, plate electrodes;

FIG. 2 illustrates an electrosurgical probe comprising an electrodestructure configuration where each electrode structure comprises aplurality of electrically isolated active surfaces;

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram that illustrates a power generatoraccording to the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an algorithm for power modulationaccording to the invention; and

FIGS. 5A-5C provide a side plan view of an electro-surgical probeshowing the probe with its jaws in an open position (FIG. 5A), a closedposition in which the jaws are clamped along a tissue havingsubstantially even thickness (FIG. 5B), and in a closed position wherethe jaws are clamped along a tissue having an uneven surface (FIG. 5C)according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic view of the electro-surgical probe ofFIGS. 5A-5C showing a blade mechanism according to the invention; and

FIGS. 7A-7B provide a side plan view of an electrosurgical probe havinga mechanism for effecting parallel jaw movement, in which FIG. 7A showsthe jaws in an open position and FIG. 7B shows the jaws in a closedposition according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The methods, systems, and apparatus of the invention are useful fortreating a variety of organs, portions of organs, or other solid tissueregions in a patient. The organ or other tissue mass have spaced-aparttissue surfaces, usually opposed tissue surfaces, which are accessibleto electrode structures and which permit the application of radiofrequency power between said surfaces. The tissue surfaces may bereadily accessible or may require pre-treatment to gain access, e.g.blunt dissection, resection of small tissues or blood vessels usingconventional surgical techniques, or the like. Organs which may betreated by the invention include the uterus, liver, prostate, kidney,bowel, pancreas, lung, breast, muscle, and the like.

The organs and other tissue are treated with bipolar radio frequencypower directed at target tissue regions which are defined byspaced-apart placement of the electrode structures. The radio frequencypower may be supplied by conventional general purpose electrosurgicalpower supplies operated at any accepted frequency, typically in theranges set forth above. Power supplies may employ conventionalsinusoidal or non-sinusoidal wave forms and may operate with fixed orcontrolled power levels, where the voltage, current, or both may beselected. Suitable power supplies are available from commercialsuppliers, such as Valleylab, Aspen, and Bovie. In some instances, itwill be desirable to use impedance matching transformers between thepower supply and the electrodes to enhance the efficiency of energydelivery.

The electrodes may be configured in any manner suitable for engaging atissue surface. Thus, the electrodes can be rigid, flexible, elastic,inelastic (non-distensible), planar, non-planar, or the like, and mayoptionally employ tissue-penetrating elements to enhance electricalcontact between the electrode structure and the tissue, as well as toincrease the electrode area.

Preferred electrode configurations are either conformable so that theycan be engaged against and conform to widely differing tissue surfaces(see, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/371,988 (AttorneyDocket No. ARGA0003), the entirety of which is incorporated herein bythis reference thereto), or they are specifically configured to have ageometry intended to engage a particular organ or tissue geometry. Inboth instances, the electrode structures may further be provided withtissue-penetrating elements. Examples of each are discussed hereinafter.

One electrode configuration uses a metallized mesh which is bothflexible and elastic. Such meshes are suitable for use on retractableelectrodes, such as retractable electrodes useful for minimally invasiveprocedures. The meshes may be suspended on or between more rigid framemembers, where the frame members may be themselves expanded orcontracted to deploy the mesh electrodes. Such meshes are also usefulfor fabricating elastic tubes or shells which may be placed over anorgan or tissue mass like a sock. In the case of such tubularelectrodes, it often desirable to form two or more discrete electrodesurfaces on a single mesh, where the electrode surfaces are isolated,usually by virtue of the material properties of the mesh itself, i.e.they are polymeric and non-conductive. The elastic meshes can be in theform of a braid or other woven structure, e.g. as described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,431,676; 5,234,425; and 4,018,230, the full disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference. The use of radially expansiblebraid structures is desirable because the diameter of thetissue-receiving lumen therein can be controlled by axial elongation.That is, the braid can be expanded by shortening its length andcontracted by extending its length. All such mesh and braid structurescan be metallized by conventional electroless plating techniques.Suitable for metals for plating include gold, silver, copper, stainlesssteel, and combinations and alloys thereof. Suitable elastomeric meshmaterials include a wide variety of elastomers. Suitable braided meshmaterials include nylon and other generally non-distensible polymers.

All types of electrode structures may be configured to have a conductivesurface and a non-conductive surface. This is usually accomplished byleaving one surface as an exposed metallic face, while the other surfaceof the electrode is covered or insulated. In the case of rigidelectrodes, the insulation can be laminated, coated, or otherwiseapplied directly to the opposed surface. In the case of flexible andelastic electrodes, it is necessary that the insulating layer also beflexible so that it can be expanded and contracted together with theelectrode without loss or removal. In some cases, it is desirable toemploy a separate sheet of material which is expanded together with theelectrode and which covers the face which is desired to be insulated.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 10 according to the inventioncomprises a first, compound electrode 12, a second electrode 14, and aradio frequency power supply 16. The first electrode comprises aplurality of rigid plates that are independently connected to one poleof the power supply 16 and the second electrode is a rigid plateconnected to the opposite pole. In other embodiments, the secondelectrode could be non-rigid and could represent multiple electrodes aswell. In fact, multiple return electrodes are preferable in certaincases. The electrodes 12 and 14 can be engaged against a tissue mass Tto engage opposed surfaces thereof. Radio frequency power is thenselectively applied to the tissue through any combination of theplurality of rigid plates which form electrode 12 (as discussed ingreater detail below) to cauterize the mass of tissue which is capturedbetween the electrodes 12 and 14 completely. After the tissue iscauterized, it may be resected along a line within the cauterized regionof tissue. Advantageously, resection within the cauterized tissueminimizes bleeding and simplifies hemostasis.

For use in cauterizing the tissue of, for example, the uterus,conformable electrodes and may be placed over opposed exterior surfacesof the uterus. Rather than applying high frequency energy of oppositepolarities, as generally described above, the electrodes may be poweredat a common polarity by a power supply. A probe may be inserted into theuterine cavity and powered at the opposite polarity. In this way, theopposed tissue surfaces comprise the interior lining of the uterinecavity on the one hand and the exterior surface of the uterus on theother hand. In the case of the uterus, it is generally desirable tocauterize substantially the entire tissue mass, with the possibleexception of the cervical neck. In the case of other body organs andtissue masses, however, it may be desirable to cauterize only a portionof the tissue. The high frequency energy can be directed to limitedportions of the tissue by choosing the configurations of the electrodes.

Preferably, the electrodes comprise a plurality of differentelectrically conductive regions, where the regions may be electricallyisolated from each other or may be electrically coupled to each other.Single electrode structures may include three, four, five and as many asten or more discrete electrically conductive regions thereon. Suchelectrically conductive regions are usually defined by electricallyinsulating regions or structure therebetween. When it is desired thattwo or more of the electrically conductive regions be electricallycoupled, small electrical connections can be provided to bridge theinsulation between the regions. Usually, at least some of the isolated,electrically conductive regions on the electrode structures are poweredat opposite polarities, and in some instances the methods of theinvention can be performed using only a single electrode structurehaving multiple electrically conductive regions thereon. Alternatively,isolated, electrically conductive regions on a single electrodestructure may be powered at the same polarity, where a primary purposeof the different regions is to control or configure the high energyelectrical flux being delivered into the tissue mass. For example, itmay be desirable to deliver high frequency electrical energy intospaced-apart regions of a tissue mass without cauterizing other areas inbetween or adjacent to the region to be cauterized. In such cases, theelectrode structures can be configured by appropriate placement of theelectrically conductive regions.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 300 that comprises a pair of electrodestructures 302 and 304. At least one of the electrode structures 304comprises a plurality of individual electrically conductive strips 310which are spaced apart such that they are electrically isolated fromeach other. In other embodiments, the conductive strips may be separatedby an electrically insulating material. The electrically conductivestrips 310 may be selectively powered at different polarities invirtually any pattern. Often, it is desirable to energize the strips sothat adjacent strips have opposite polarities. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the electrodes may be discrete or that they may beformed by such techniques as screening, electrodeposition, and the like.

To this point in the description, the electrically conducted surfaces ofthe electrode structures have generally comprised rigid or conformablecomponents having continuous surface geometries, i.e. surface geometrieswhich are selected to create an uninterrupted interface with the tissuesurface against which they are engaged. In some instances, it may bedesirable to provide additional structure or components on the electrodestructures to enhance or increase the effective electrical contact areabetween the electrode structure and the tissue surface. In particular,it is often desirable to provide tissue-penetrating elements on theelectrode structures to both enhance electrical contact, i.e. reduceelectrical impedance between the electrode and the tissue and, moreimportantly, to increase the total surface contact area between theelectrode and the tissue. The tissue-penetrating elements may beneedles, pins, protrusions, channels, or the like, but are usually pinshaving sharpened distal tips so that they can penetrate through thetissue surface and into the underlying tissue mass. The pins may havedepths in the rage from 1 mm to 5 cm, usually being from 3 mm to 1 cm.The diameters of the pins may be from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, usually being from0.5 mm to 3 mm. Usually, the pins are evenly distributed over thetissue-contact area of an electrode structure, with a pin density in therange from 0.1 pin/cm² to 10 pin/cm², usually from 0.5 pin/cm² to 5pin/cm². Usually, the pins or other tissue-penetrating elements areprovided in addition to an electrically conductive conformable or rigidelectrode surface, but in some instances the pins may provide the totalelectrically conductive or active area of an electrode structure.

A system comprising a pair plurality of electrode structures can includeelectrically conductive strips separated, for example, by insulatingrods. In addition, however, tissue-penetrating pins can be disposedalong each of the electrically conductive strips. It is appreciated thata plurality of pins are disposed along the length of each strip. Theelectrode structures are generally of a curved configuration so thatthey may be placed over a tubular body structure or tissue mass. It isappreciated, however, that the strips may be formed from conformablemeshes which permit the electrode structures to be flattened out or toassume a wide variety of other configurations. Additionally, theinsulating structures may also be formed from a flexible or conformablematerial, permitting further reconfiguration of the electrodestructures.

The electrically conductive strips may be energized in an alternatingpolarity configuration. Most simply, adjacent strips are connected toopposite polls on a single power supply. It is a simple matter, however,to rearrange the electrical connections to power the strips in virtuallyany pattern. Moreover, it is also possible to isolate different regionsof each strip electrically e.g. nos. 1 and 2 to permit powering thoseregions at different polarities.

Using the system 300, a variety of different tissue cauterizationpatterns can be achieved by selective energization of different ones ofthe electrode surfaces or regions. By selectively energizing twoadjacent electrode surfaces in a bipolar fashion, while leaving allother surfaces non-energized, a limited tissue region is cauterized. Incontrast, by energizing other electrode surfaces e.g. nos. 4, 5, 6, and7, a much larger region is cauterized. Slightly different patterns areachieved depending on the precise pattern of electrode surface polarity.The electrode surfaces can be energized in an alternating pattern ofpolarity (+, −, +, −) to produce a tissue cauterization pattern.Patterns of (+, +, −, −); (+, −, −, +); (−, +, +, −) etc., could also beused to produce somewhat different patterns of cauterized tissue.

FIG. 2 illustrates an electrosurgical probe 50 that includes a pair ofjaws 56 having a distal end 58 and a proximal end 60. Alternatively,this probe may comprise a shaft that is typically a cylinder sized forintroduction through a conventional cannula of the type used inminimally invasive surgery. Thus, the shaft typically has a diameter inthe range from 5 mm to 15 mm, usually being nominally 5 mm, 10 mm, or 12mm, to be consistent with conventional cannulas. The length of the shaftis typically in the range from 10 cm to 30 cm, with the particular rangedepending on the intended procedure.

The electrosurgical probe 50 includes a handle assembly 62 that isattached to the proximal end 60 of the jaws 56. The handle includes alever assembly 64 which is connected to actuate the electrodes 304 afterthey are deployed. The handle also includes a coaxial connector forconnecting the electrodes to an electrosurgical power supply, asdescribed herein, although the electrodes may be powered by conventionalpower supplies as well.

The electrosurgical probe 50 may be employed to cauterize and resect aportion of liver. For example, the probe may be introduced through acannula, and the electrodes advanced and opened so that they can capturea portion of the liver L which is to be removed. After the electrodesare closed against opposed surfaces of the liver, the radio frequencyenergy may be applied, as described above. After the tissue is fullycauterized, it may be resected along any line within the necrosed tissuemass. Optionally, the electrosurgical probe may be used to cauterize aseries of tissue masses adjacent each other to cauterize and resect alarger tissue mass than would be possible using only a singleapplication of radio frequency energy.

In one embodiment, the electrodes may be used, for example, to cauterizeand resect a uterus. The uterus comprises a main body having fallopiantubes extending from each side. In addition to the fallopian tubes,several large blood vessels extend generally from the midline of theuterus. The electrodes may be placed over the anterior and posteriorsurfaces of the uterus with the fallopian tubes remaining attached andextending outwardly from between the electrode structures. Dependingupon the procedure, in some cases the fallopian tubes would be includedin the sealed, cauterized, and dissected region and, in others, thechoice may be not to seal and cauterize the fallopian tubes. Thisdecision is based upon whether the ovaries are to be removed along withthe uterus or not. Radio frequency power may then be applied to theuterus, typically at a power level in the range from 10 W/cm² to 100W/cm² for a time in the range from 10 sec. to 20 min., until the body ofthe uterus is substantially completely necrosed. Because of the geometryof the electrodes the necrosed body of the uterus terminates along aline generally at the cervical end of the uterus, as well as along linesadjacent the fallopian tubes. The uterus may then be resected alonglines within the cauterized tissue region but adjacent the cervix andfallopian tubes. Resection within the cauterized regions of the uterussubstantially minimizes bleeding and facilitates hemostasis. The uterusmay then be removed, either intact in the case of open surgicalprocedures. In the case of minimally invasive procedures, the uterus mayoptionally be morcellated (comminuted into small pieces) prior toremoval.

In one embodiment of the invention, parallel electrodes are providedalong the device, thus preventing positive-to-negative contact ifopposing jaws and electrodes are brought into contact. In thisembodiment, the oppositely charged electrodes that are mounted in thesame jaws must be mounted in a non-conductive material to preventshorting.

The jaws can be offset by a soft compressive material, such as a foamrubber, to prevent the electrodes from contacting, while assuring securecontact with all intermediate tissue. This embodiment of the inventioncan accommodate variable tissue thicknesses, which are expected to belikely over 5-10 cm of tissue.

To prevent local areas of high impedance from impacting the overallsystem impedance along the entire electrode, and thus potentiallyreducing the power output of the entire system as the voltage reachesits maximal capacity, multiple electrodes could be located physically inseries. These electrodes may be powered simultaneously or in arepetitive sequential or other series. The electrodes may also bepowered entirely independently of each other. In this manner, if onearea that has already been well sealed and has thus reached highimpedance value, it does not affect other regions in which the tissue isnot yet sealed, and is thus at a lower impedance, i.e. impedance goes upas sealing occurs and this can limit power transmission. Each electrodeor electron pair can have unique power and energy delivery profiles,based on the properties of the tissue in a specific electrodelocation/position.

As should be apparent from the disclosure herein, there is a benefit tousing longer electrosurgery electrodes or other high-energy sealingimpedance mechanisms to save operating time in a number of surgicalprocedures. For example, depending on the makeup of the tissue involvedand its thickness along the length of tissue to be cauterized, geometryvariations of both the electrosurgical jaws and power supply may beoptimized to facilitate surgical removal of part or all of particularorgans.

For example, the connective tissue or ligaments of the uterus arerelatively thin and of relatively low impedance, i.e. less than threeOhms in many cases before energy is delivered to the tissue, based onanimal models. However, this impedance is not constant, both along thelength of tissue being cauterized, and during the course ofcauterization. Therefore, a power supply with a capacity of, forexample, less than 100 volts is not adequate to seal and coagulate alltissue and blood vessels supporting the organ fully because it is oftennecessary to ramp up the voltage after initially applying power tocauterize the tissue to maintain power levels in light of increasingimpedance as the sealing and cauterization process progresses. Further,for thicker tissue or organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bowel, or forlonger segments of tissue, significantly higher voltages are likely tobe required. For more delicate tissues or locations, high voltage powerenergy levels may not be safe. In addition, due to the higher impedanceof some of these organs and tissues, the power supply must havesufficient cut-off for discontinuing power to the organ at the end ofthe sealing cycle. Thus, the power supply should automatically terminatecurrent flow to the tissue once the power supply has determined thecompletion of the sealing cycle. Although manually discontinuing powerdelivery is an option, it is less desirable because it is subjective andit is less likely to include an accurate analysis of the condition ofthe tissue or organ. The automatic feedback system disclosed hereinprevents excessive heating or burning of surrounding healthy tissues andorgans, as well as minimizing tissue adhesion to the electrodes, whileassuring adequate vessel sealing. Therefore, the power supply herein hasmultiple adjustable settings that the user can select based on the organto be treated. A prior characterization of each organ determines presetvoltage limits and curves, as well as final shutdown (endpoint)parameters based on time, impedance, voltage, current, temperature orenergy data, or some combination of these for each specific organ.Therefore, processes that optimize safety and efficacy for the specificprocedure are used. Based on the degree of vascularity and size of theblood vessels present, various tissues and organs may require differentsettings as well.

Another embodiment of the invention runs a test burst of current throughthe tissue for a short, i.e. less than five seconds, time period, at alow, safe power level. The profile data generated during this period arequickly, i.e. less than five seconds, and automatically programmed intoan algorithm that optimizes the voltage, energy, time, and/or powerdelivery based on the conditions determined during the test period toseal the tissue or organ safely and effectively.

Likewise, the geometry of the jaws/electrodes are optimized for eachindication. The length of the jaws and handle segments is optimized forthe length of the tissue and location to be sealed and dissected. Theforce and/or minimum compression gap generated by the jaws is optimizedfor the tissue selected as well. A minimum force is required to ensureadequate uniform sealing among the entire length of tissue. However,excessive force may result in undesired damage to the tissue and causesignificant bleeding prior to the sealing process. The optimalcompression force is either predetermined for each organ or thecompression handles are designed to exert a predefined force level for aparticular organ. In one embodiment of the invention, this is controlledvia a slip clutch-type mechanism similar to a torque wrench, or by atravel limiter for the jaws. Thus, there are separate devices designedfor each application or once device that could have multiple individualsettings that are adjusted to predetermined settings for the organ orthickness of organ to be operated on or removed. In some embodiments,force may be adjusted automatically and dynamically by sensing pressurealong the length of one or both jaws with one or more strain gaugesassociated therewith.

The force exerted by the jaws in other embodiments may be limited by thematerials used for the jaws themselves. In the case of an organ or atissue where the force required to compress and seal the tissue safelyis low, a material with a lower flexural modulus may be moreappropriate, while in a tissue that can be safely clamped at a higherlevel to assure effective sealing, a higher modulus material may beused.

In another embodiment, the thickness of the jaws is adjusted byinflating a hollow chamber within the jaws with a pressurized fluid.

The angle between the handles and the jaws of the device may also beoptimized to the application. This is determined mainly by the angle ofattack of the procedure in the surgical environment. Rather than anabrupt angle, the device may have a gentle or gradual curve for certainapplications.

The cutting or dissecting portion of the process may be optimized forspecific organs as well. In the case where the cutting is performed by asharp-edged blade, the width of the blade may vary based on thethickness of the tissue or organ to be removed. The thickness of thecutting material may also be optimized based on how readily the specificthickness/tissue cuts. More tenacious tissue may require more of a sawmotion or a thicker or serrated blade or scissor mechanism, which,again, is predetermined for a specific application. If high energysystems are used to dissect the tissue, these may also be optimized forthe application, as previously described in the power supply sectionabove.

With regard to a multiple electrode algorithm as taught herein, eachelectrode is treated independently in terms of energy transmission andRF cycle monitoring, modulation, and termination. The parameters to bemonitored in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention arecurrent, voltage, impedance, energy, power, time, and temperature. Anycombination of these parameters may be monitored, as well as the valuesof other parameters. These values may be monitored in a mathematicalmodel that combines them into a single algorithm that determines thequality of the RF sealing process based on prior empirical analysis. Theenergy and/or power output may be modulated to optimize artery and veinsealing in the shortest time possible, preferably less than one minute,and desirable less than 30 seconds, without excessive heat transmissionthat could damage surrounding healthy tissue or result in excessive heatthat could bond the tissue to the electrode surface. The optimization ofthe cycle can be based on an algorithm program into the power generatorsoftware/firmware that modulates and ultimately terminates the cyclewhen conditions have been met that have been empirically determined tosafely and repeatedly satisfy the conditions of the surgical procedurebeing performed. For example, reaching a certain impedance and/ortemperature value and continuing the power level for a predeterminedamount of time beyond this point, or reducing (or conversely increasing)the power level once a certain impedance and pressure or temperaturethreshold have been reached.

Once desiccation of tissue has occurred, impedance tends to reach aplateau and becomes less of a measure of the quality of the sealingprocess which occurs after the point that desiccation has begun.Therefore, impedance measurement alone may not be an accuratedeterminant of successful vessel/tissue sealing. Thus, multiplemodulations, step functions, or continuous changes in power, voltage,and/or energy, are provided to optimize the sealing cycle. The cyclechanges or modulation may result in upward or downward complex variablechanges to optimize the blood vessel/tissue sealing conditions. As aresult, each electrode or electrode pair may have different cycle timesand power, current, voltage, and energy profiles as a result of thefeedback data for the specific segment of tissue contacting the specificelectrode. The modulation/determination program may be a complexalgorithm based on monitoring multiple variables and responding to acombination of predetermined conditions to adjust and terminate thecycle.

With regards to these variables, the following are typical:

Power 10-1000 watts/channel or electrode pair, typically 100-500watts/channel or electrode pair;

Impedance 2-500 Ohms, typically 2-200 Ohms;

Voltage 5-500 volts, typically 50-250 volts;

Time space 1-1200 seconds, typically 5-30 seconds; and

Energy 1-30,000 joules, typically 1,000-10,000 joules.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the power generator is comprised ofa constant output power design as opposed to a constant voltage orconstant current design. In the inventive design, the power output ismanifested based upon the load on the system. Thus, if the system sees avery high impedance load, the voltage is maintained at a reasonablelevel to avoid arcing. In the application to which the power generatoris put, i.e. electro-cauterization, the impedance range may varybetween, for example, two ohms and 150 ohms during the cauterization oftissue. By applying constant power, the presently inventive power sourceprovides significant current at low impedance to achieve initialdesiccation when the tissue is first being cauterized and, ascauterization proceeds, to apply higher voltage to complete the tissuesealing process. Thus, the invention provides larger current and smallervoltage at the beginning of the cauterization process and a highervoltage and lower current at the sealing phase of the process. Controlof such power generator only requires that the system monitor power.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the power source is provided witha mechanism for setting the desired power. This can in accordance with aprofile or otherwise, as discussed below. Pulse width modulation is usedin connection with a flyback transformer. The system charges a primaryof the flyback transformer and produces a regulated output. Thesecondary may be regulated, for example 15 volts at a desired number ofamperes to produce the desired power output. Based upon the period, asdetermined by the width of the pulse which charges the primary, thepower curve is determined. Thus, the invention establishes a certainlevel of power in the primary of the flyback transformer and the samelevel of power is provided by the secondary without regard to impedanceof the load, i.e. the tissue.

In the preferred embodiment invention, the power generator is a sourceof power for multiple electrodes in the electrical surgical appliance.Accordingly, the power generator is provided with a plurality of outputchannels, each of which is independently adjustable. In FIG. 3, a blockdiagram is provided that shows a electrical surgical appliance 300including a plurality of electrodes 310 as discussed above in connectionwith FIGS. 1 and 2. The electrical surgical appliance includes aconductive path 55 which typically comprises a plurality of conductors,one for each power generator output channel, for receiving power frompower generator 16, and a return path 360 for providing a ground pathand/or feedback to a power generator which may comprise any ofinformation concerning current, voltage, impedance, energy, power, andtemperature. Appropriate sensors are provided in the electro-surgicalappliance. For example, a thermistor can be used to sense temperature,while impedance can be measured between any two or more of theelectrodes. Alternatively, a ground plane may be provided on one jaw ofthe electro-surgical appliance and the individual electrodes may beplaced on the other jaw of the electro-surgical appliance, such that apath is provided from and addressed from the electrode through thereturn electrode. Thus, the one jaw may establish a ground plane for theelectrodes that are placed on the other jaw. Additionally, the powergenerator may be connected to the electrodes at its positive and/ornegative terminals. Accordingly, the electronics within the powergenerator may reassign the polarity and/or use of the various terminals310 within the appliance in real time. For example, one of theelectrodes, or terminals, may be retained as a impedance sensingelement. In other embodiments of the invention, this element may bededicated for purposes of sensing impedance throughout the process.

The power generator 16 is comprised of a power source 335 that hasmultiple outputs which are controlled by control electronics 50 and thusrouted to the individual electrodes in the electro-surgical appliance,as discussed above. The multiple outputs are independently operated by amicroprocessor or other control mechanism 330 and are readily modulatedand assignable. Thus, an output may be assigned to any one or more ofthe electrode elements at a certain point in operation of acauterization cycle, and may be dynamically reassigned at other pointsof time. For example, if the power source were a four channel powersource and the electro-surgical device had 16 electrodes, then eachchannel may support four electrodes in electro-surgical device. However,this arrangement may be altered so that some channels support moreelectrodes than others.

The microprocessor 330 may be configured through a series of profiles340 to operate the device with a power curve and power distributionamongst the various electrodes in accordance with the procedure to beperformed. Thus, for a hysterectomy a certain profile may be establishedfor the electro-surgical appliance, while for a liver procedure adifferent profile may be established. Additionally, a smart card reader365 may be provided that both configures the system for a particularprocedure and that provides memory for recording information as to theoperation of the power generator during the procedure. For example, theapplication of power to each channel, impedance sensed, the temperaturesensed, and the like is captured to document the procedure.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an algorithm for power modulationaccording to the invention. At the start of the process, the userdetermines the profile (400) to be applied for a particular procedure.For example, some tissues or procedures may require a higher initialpower level and then provide a reduction in the power level during thecauterization process.

The probe (electro-surgical appliance) is positioned (405) and the powerfor the power source is turned on (410). The system initializes itself(415), for example by taking initial impedance readings along thevarious electrodes in the electro-surgical appliance to develop aprofile for the tissue to be cauterized. Initialization may also includethe taking of initial temperature readings, strain pressure readingswhich are indicative of the thickness of the tissue along the surgicalappliance surface, and other readings. A pilot signal may be transferredthrough the electro-surgical appliance to determine these values. Forexample, an initial low voltage may be provided to measure impedance. Inthis way, a real time profile may be developed for the actual tissue tobe cauterized that may be used as an adaptation to the pre-establishedprofile for a particular procedure. Thus, the profile which isestablished for the procedure may be modified in accordance withmeasurements related to the tissue to be cauterized.

The system then sets thresholds (420) which determine when an endpointis approached. These thresholds may be determined by measurements suchas impedance, current, voltage, energy, power, and temperature. Thethresholds may also operate in connection with a time element. Thus,when a threshold is reached, the system may continue to operate for acertain period of time to assure that an appropriate endpoint isreached, such that cauterization is complete. In some embodiments, powergenerator channels that are assigned to electrodes for portions of thetissue that have reached an endpoint may be reassigned to thoseelectrodes that are still actively cauterizing tissue to provideadditional power to the process and thus hasten its conclusion.

Power is applied to the electro-surgical appliance (425) to commencecauterization. The system monitors two or more parameters during thisprocess and determines when a threshold is reached (430). Once thethreshold is reached, an endpoint procedure (435) is implemented. Theendpoint procedure may be as simple as ramping the power down or it mayalso involve setting a timer. It is important to note that theapplication of power, while constant across a wide range of impedancemay be modulated during the process of cauterization such that a powercurve is applied for the procedure. Because the invention providesmultiple channels of power for multiple electrodes, some electrodes mayreach an endpoint before others. In this case, power to these electrodesis terminated while power is continued to be applied to the otherelectrodes. Thus, each electrode may have a difference power curve thatis modulated in real time. If all endpoints are not reached (440), thenthe process continues (445); else the power to the system is turned off(450) and the procedure is complete.

The electro-surgical appliance incorporates sensors for capturingvarious process parameters in real time in accordance with thealgorithm. Thus, impedance may be measured between selected electrodepairs or groups of electrodes; temperature may be measured in connectionwith one or more physical transitions along the surface of theappliance; and the effect of cauterization may be measured with localstrain gauges situated along the length of one or both probe jaws (inthis embodiment, strain gauges may also be used to precompute acauterization profile). In this regard, each electrode may be thought ofas a separate device which is independently operated for a particularregion along the surface of tissue that is contacted by the probe jaws.

Although the invention is described herein with reference to thepreferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat other applications may be substituted for those set forth hereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, in some embodiments the power generator senses whether ornot tissue is present at each electrode at the beginning of acauterization cycle by measuring any of impedance, pressure, or anycombination of these and/or other parameters. If for any electrode pairno tissue is present, then such electrode pair is idle and an indicationto this effect is provided to a power generator operator. The powergenerator may also provide a status indicator for each electrode pairthat indicates whether the sealing cycle is active or completed withregard to each electrode pair. In this embodiment, each electrode paircan comprise a mode status indicator, such as an LED for example, thatindicates any of an idle, active, or complete condition, once acauterization cycle is commenced.

FIGS. 5A-5C provide side schematic views of an electro-surgical probeaccording to the invention. In particular, the electro-surgical probeaccording to this embodiment of the invention comprises a probe 50having a pair of opposing jaws 56. The jaws typically include one ormore electrodes, as described above. A handle 62 comprises handleelements 75, 76. Operation of the handle elements, i.e. by squeezingthem together, pivots handle element 75 about a pivot axis 84, therebyurging an engagement surface 85 of handle element 75 against a matingsurface 86 of an actuator 77. Engagement of the surfaces 84, 85 urgesactuator 77 toward a proximal end of the probe, thus effecting movementof a lever mechanism 64 which, in turn, forces the jaws 56 to movetowards each other. When the jaws are engaged with the tissue, i.e. in aclosed position, an actuator 78 may be used to advance a cutting bladeto resect the tissue that is clamped between the probe jaws. Operationof the cutting mechanism is discussed in greater detail below inconnection with FIG. 6.

A key element of this embodiment of the invention involves the provisionof an articulation in one or both of the jaws. While FIGS. 5A-5C show anarticulation in the lower jaw, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat an articulation may be provided in either of the upper or lowerjaws, or in both jaws. Further, more than one articulation may beprovided on each or both jaws. The articulation shown in FIGS. 5A-5Ccomprises a lower jaw 72 that is affixed to a wiper arm 71 via a pivotpoint in 70. In this embodiment, the lower jaw comprises a compressibleelement 73, as described above. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat electrodes and/or resilient, compressible elements may be providedon either or both the jaws as appropriate. The upper jaw 74 in thisembodiment of the invention is fixed. As seen in FIG. 5B, when thetissue upon which the jaws are clamped is of even thickness, the lowerjaw clamps in a manner substantially parallel to that of the upper jaw.However, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the tissue is of uneven thickness,then the articulation effected by the lower jaw 72, through motion aboutthe pivot point 70, allows the lower jaw to be offset to accommodate thedifference in tissue thickness. For example, in FIG. 5C a numericdesignator 80, indicates that a gap is provided toward the back towardthe distal end of the jaws, at which point a thicker tissue isencountered.

A further aspect of this embodiment of the invention resides in the factthat the actual pivot point of the jaws 56 is a pivot pin 87 which islocated at the distal end of the jaws within the probe 50. Thus, thejaws are configured as a third-class lever. The foregoing features ofthe invention, i.e. the articulated jaw and the provision of thethird-class lever arrangement for the jaws are important innovationsthat provide uniform force as the two jaws come together. For example,by putting the pivot point as far back as possible into the housing ofthe probe, instead of having the pivot point near the point at which thejaws exit the housing, as in the prior art, the angle of the jaws isreduced substantially. The articulated lower jaw in this embodimentaccommodates uneven tissue and minimizes the effect of nonparallelclosure. In this way, a more substantially parallel operation of thejaws is achieved, which provides for even distribution of force alongthe surface of the jaws that is in contact with the tissue. Thus, thisaspect of the invention provides for an even distribution of forceacross tissue structures that are in contact with the jaws as the jawsare closed upon the tissue structures. This allows for a fairly longcontact surface of the jaws to the tissue, as discussed above inconnection with the invention. In the example of a homogenous tissuesheet, a pair of jaws having a fairly long tissue contacting surfacerequires significant force to provide clamping of the tissue along theentire jaw surface. However, a prior art clamping arrangement woulddistribute force more at a pivot point of the jaws than at a further endof the jaws. In the invention, by placing a pivot point at one end ofthe jaws, with the clamping mechanism 64, more toward the center of thefull length of the jaws, and by further incorporating an articulatedjaw, such as lower jaw 72, the invention provides an even distributionforce along the entire clamping surface, while accommodating differencesin tissue thickness along the tissue surface.

A further advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that it isnot necessary to manufacture the jaws or the probe using heavy and rigidmaterial. Rather, the invention allows the production of a probe made ofmaterials having a lighter weight. Such materials allow the device to beless expensive.

As discussed above, this embodiment of the invention may be employedwith various electrode arrangements, as discussed above, as well as withvarious types of conforming materials along the tissue contactingsurface of the jaws.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the probe of FIGS. 5A-5C, showing a uniquecutting mechanism that may be employed in connection with the probe.Thus, in FIG. 6 an actuator 78 is used to move a blade holder 81 alongan electrode carrier/cutter track 83, and thereby advance a blade 82across tissue that is captured between the probe jaws 72, 74. Aprojection along the blade holder, i.e. a cam 88 operates in connectionwith an interlock mechanism (not shown) to prevent the blade from beingadvanced when the jaws are in the open position. In this way, the bladesare not exposed except when the jaws are clamped together and thepossibility of injury due to contact with an exposed blade iseliminated. Thus, the blade may only be used when the jaws are clampedand the capture mechanism, which captures the cam 88, is relieved suchthat the blade holder 81 may be advanced by the actuator 78.

Unique to the invention is the shape of the blade 82, which provides twosharp edges that work in combination to cut both the top and the bottomportion of the tissue as the blade is advanced. This blade arrangementhelps focus the tissue into a cutting point. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that other cutting arrangements may be made for theblade, however, the arrangement of a blade with two cutting surfaces,i.e. cutting surfaces 89A, 89B arranged in a “V” configuration, as shownin FIG. 6, is seen to provide a superior cutting as the blade isadvanced across the tissue, which is secured between the jaws of theprobe.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7A linkage and 7B,in which a four-piece cross beam assembly 92 (also referred to as afour-bar) is operated by an actuator lever 93 in response to useractuation of the probe handles 90, 91. When the handles are squeezedtogether, the actuator 93 operates the four-piece cross beam assembly 92to bring the jaws 94, 95 together in a parallel fashion. In this way,even distribution of pressure along the tissue clamping surface of thejaws is effected. FIG. 7A shows this arrangement with the jaws in theopen position and FIG. 7B shows this arrangement with the jaws in theclosed position. It can be seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B that the jaws themselvesextend into a housing of the probe and are substantially parallelmembers. The four-piece cross beam assembly 92 is arranged such that theparallel arrangement of the jaws is maintained while the tissuecontacting surfaces jaws are advanced toward each other or away fromeach other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thisarrangement may incorporate other aspects of the invention describedherein. For example, either or both of the jaws 94, 95 may include anarticulated jaw assembly, as described above in connection with FIGS.5A-5C. Further, the provision of electrodes and/or various types ofresilient; conforming material may be disposed on the jaws of theembodiment shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B.

In connection with the provision of articulated elements in the jaw, forexample in connection with FIGS. 5A-5C, one embodiment providesindividual electrodes on each of multiple articulated elements for eachjaw, or provides arrays of electrodes on each of multiple articulatedelements. Each such element further includes a sensor which may be apressure and/or temperature sensor, for example, such that eacharticulated element allows processing in accordance with the thicknessof the tissue encountered by the element. Thus, in the example of atissue sheet having an uneven thickness thereacross, each of thearticulated elements comprised of its own electrode arrays processes thetissue until the tissue is properly desiccated. In this example, some ofthe electrodes operate for a longer period of time than others,depending upon the thickness of the tissue therebeneath.

In one embodiment of the invention each of the articulated elementsincludes a load cell which provides feedback to the power generator forthe electrodes. The arrangement of a plurality of load cells along aplurality of articulated members or, alternatively, associated withelectrode groupings along one or more of the probe jaws, allows thesystem to put more electrical energy into the thickest areas of thetissue, as indicated by those areas in which highest pressure isencountered. Thus, in one embodiment a distribution of load cells on oneor more of the jaws, in combination with one or more articulatedmembers, a plurality of individually addressed electrodes, and aconforming surface opposite the electrodes accommodates a tissue sheethaving disparate thickness thereacross and provides optimal processingat each point of tissue contact based on the tissue thickness.

In one embodiment, the electrodes are formed onto resilient member orresilient material, or other conforming material through a deposition ora printing type process. In this embodiment, the cost of manufacture issubstantially reduced, and a fine pitch is established for theelectrodes, which allows more sophisticated addressing, actuation, andenergy delivery schemes.

Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims includedbelow.

1.-25. (canceled)
 26. An apparatus for cauterizing tissue, comprising: aprobe comprising a pair of opposing jaws, at least one of said jawscomprising a plurality electrodes for engagement with treatment surfacesof a tissue mass; and at least one articulation element associated withat least one of said jaws.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, said probefurther comprising: a handle comprising at least two handle elements anda handle engagement surface; a pivot axis, wherein operation of saidhandles elements rotates at least one of said handle elements about saidpivot axis; an actuator comprising an actuator surface; and a levermechanism; wherein rotation of said at least one handle element aboutsaid pivot axis engages said handle engagement surface with saidactuator surface, urging said actuator toward a proximal end of saidprobe, thus operating said lever mechanism to force said jaws towardseach other.
 28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said at least onearticulation element is associated with either or both of said jaws. 29.The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: a plurality ofarticulation elements associated with either or both of said jaws. 30.The apparatus of claim 26, said articulation element comprising: a wiperto which a jaw is affixed via a pivot.
 31. The apparatus of claim 26,further comprising: a pivot point for rotatably joining both jawssubstantially at a distal end of said jaws, wherein said jaws areconfigured as a third-class lever to reduce the angle of the jaws, andto effect even distribution of force along a surface of the jaws that isin contact with said tissue mass.
 32. The apparatus of claim 26, furthercomprising: a cutting mechanism comprising: a blade; a blade holder; atrack along which said blade holder is movable to advance and withdrawsaid blade across tissue that is captured between said jaws; and aprojection associated with said blade holder comprising a cam thatcooperates with an interlock mechanism to prevent the blade from beingadvanced when the jaws are in an open position.
 33. The apparatus ofclaim 32, said blade comprising two cutting edges defining a Vconfiguration that forces the tissue mass into a point a which bothedges meet to cut both a top and a bottom portion of the tissue mass asthe blade is advanced.
 34. An apparatus for cauterizing tissue,comprising: a probe comprising a pair of opposing jaws, at least one ofsaid jaws comprising a plurality electrodes for engagement withtreatment surfaces of a tissue mass; a handle comprising at least twohandle elements and a handle engagement surface; a pivot axis, whereinoperation of said handles elements rotates at least one of said handleelements about said pivot axis; an actuator comprising an actuatorsurface; and a four-piece cross beam assembly; wherein rotation of saidat least one handle element about said pivot axis engages said handleengagement surface with said actuator surface, urging said actuatortoward a proximal end of said probe, thus operating said four-piececross beam assembly to force said jaws towards each other in a parallelfashion, and to effect even distribution of force along a surface of thejaws that is in contact with said tissue mass.
 35. The apparatus ofclaim 34, further comprising: at least one articulation elementassociated with either or both of said jaws.
 36. The apparatus of claim34, further comprising: a plurality of articulation elements associatedwith either or both of said jaws.
 37. The apparatus of claim 35, saidarticulation element comprising: a wiper to which a jaw is affixed via apivot.
 38. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising: a cuttingmechanism comprising: a blade; a blade holder; a track along which saidblade holder is movable to advance and withdraw said blade across tissuethat is captured between said jaws; and a projection associated withsaid blade holder comprising a cam that cooperates with an interlockmechanism to prevent the blade from being advanced when the jaws are inan open position.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38, said blade comprisingtwo cutting edges defining a V configuration that forces the tissue massinto a point a which both edges meet to cut both a top and a bottomportion of the tissue mass as the blade is advanced.
 40. An apparatusfor cauterizing tissue, comprising: a probe comprising a pair ofopposing jaws, at least one of said jaws comprising a pluralityelectrodes for engagement with treatment surfaces of a tissue mass; ahandle comprising at least two handle elements and a handle engagementsurface; a pivot point for rotatable joining both jaws substantially ata distal end of said jaws, wherein said jaws are configured as athird-class lever to reduce the angle of the jaws, and to effect evendistribution of force along a surface of the jaws that is in contactwith said tissue mass, said pivot point further comprising a pivot axis,wherein operation of said handles elements rotates at least one of saidhandle elements about said pivot axis; an actuator comprising anactuator surface; and a lever mechanism; wherein rotation of said atleast one handle element about said pivot axis engages said handleengagement surface with said actuator surface, urging said actuatortoward a proximal end of said probe, thus operating said lever mechanismto force said jaws towards each other.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40,further comprising: a cutting mechanism comprising: a blade; a bladeholder; a track along which said blade holder is movable to advance andwithdraw said blade across tissue that is captured between said jaws;and a projection associated with said blade holder comprising a cam thatcooperates with an interlock mechanism to prevent the blade from beingadvanced when the jaws are in an open position.
 42. The apparatus ofclaim 41, said blade comprising two cutting edges defining a Vconfiguration that forces the tissue mass into a point a which bothedges meet to cut both a top and a bottom portion of the tissue mass asthe blade is advanced.
 43. An apparatus for cauterizing tissue,comprising: a probe comprising a pair of opposing jaws, at least one ofsaid jaws comprising a plurality electrodes for engagement withtreatment surfaces of a tissue mass; at least one articulation elementassociated with at least one of said jaws; a handle comprising at leasttwo handle elements and a handle engagement surface; a pivot axis,wherein operation of said handles elements rotates at least one of saidhandle elements about said pivot axis; an actuator comprising anactuator surface; a lever mechanism; wherein rotation of said at leastone handle element about said pivot axis engages said handle engagementsurface with said actuator surface, urging said actuator toward aproximal end of said probe, thus operating said lever mechanism to forcesaid jaws towards each other; wherein said at least one articulationelement is associated with either or both of said jaws, saidarticulation element comprising a wiper to which a jaw is affixed via apivot; and a pivot point for rotatably joining both jaws substantiallyat a distal end of said jaws, wherein said jaws are configured as athird-class lever to reduce the angle of the jaws, and to effect evendistribution of force along a surface of the jaws that is in contactwith said tissue mass.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43, furthercomprising: a plurality of individual electrodes or electrode arraysprovided on at least one articulated element associated with at leastone jaw.
 45. The apparatus of claim 44, each articulated element furthercomprising: a load cell for providing feedback to a power generator forsaid electrodes.
 46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said electrodesare formed through a deposition or a printing type process onto aresilient material.
 47. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising: apower supply connectable to said electrodes for selectively applyinghigh frequency power thereto to cauterize tissue between said treatmentsurfaces; and means for monitoring said high frequency power proximateto said electrodes and/or proximate to said tissue; and for modulatingsaid high frequency power based upon any two of current, voltage,impedance, energy, power, time, and temperature.
 48. The apparatus ofclaim 44, wherein at least one of said electrodes comprises aconformable, electrically conductive surface.
 49. The apparatus of claim44, wherein at least one of said electrodes comprises a rigidelectrically conductive surface.
 50. An apparatus for tissuecauterization, comprising: a plurality of electrodes for engagementagainst one or more surfaces of said tissue; a probe comprising a pairof opposing jaws, at least one of said jaws comprising a pluralityelectrodes for engagement with treatment surfaces of a tissue mass; andat least one articulation element associated with at least one of saidjaws.
 51. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an automaticfeedback system further comprising: means for measuring the effect ofcauterization with local strain gauges situated along a length of atleast one probe jaw associated with one or more of said electrodes. 52.The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said strain gauges precompute acauterization profile.
 53. An apparatus for tissue cauterization,comprising: a plurality of electrodes for engagement against one or moresurfaces of said tissue; a probe comprising a pair of opposing jaws, atleast one of said jaws comprising a plurality electrodes for engagementwith treatment surfaces of a tissue mass; a handle comprising at leasttwo handle elements and a handle engagement surface; a pivot axis,wherein operation of said handles elements rotates at least one of saidhandle elements about said pivot axis; an actuator comprising anactuator surface; and a four-piece cross beam assembly; wherein rotationof said at least one handle element about said pivot axis engages saidhandle engagement surface with said actuator surface, urging saidactuator toward a proximal end of said probe, thus operating saidfour-piece cross beam assembly to force said jaws towards each other ina parallel fashion, and to effect even distribution of force along asurface of the jaws that is in contact with said tissue mass
 54. Anapparatus for tissue cauterization, comprising: a plurality ofelectrodes for engagement against one or more surfaces of said tissue; aprobe comprising a pair of opposing jaws, at least one of said jawscomprising a plurality electrodes for engagement with treatment surfacesof a tissue mass; a handle comprising at least two handle elements and ahandle engagement surface; a pivot point for rotatably joining both jawssubstantially at a distal end of said jaws, wherein said jaws areconfigured as a third-class lever to reduce the angle of the jaws, andto effect even distribution of force along a surface of the jaws that isin contact with said tissue mass, said pivot point further comprising apivot axis, wherein operation of said handles elements rotates at leastone of said handle elements about said pivot axis; an actuatorcomprising an actuator surface; and a lever mechanism; wherein rotationof said at least one handle element about said pivot axis engages saidhandle engagement surface with said actuator surface, urging saidactuator toward a proximal end of said probe, thus operating said levermechanism to force said jaws towards each other.